Parenting Tips Archives - UPower Presentations - Sara Westbrook

Kids Need to Love Themselves Every Day

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:39:53 +0000

Many people celebrate Valentine’s Day – a day to appreciate the people you love. But there’s a celebration we often miss: teaching kids to love themselves. Loving themselves isn’t about arrogance or thinking they’re better than others. It’s about knowing they still matter: It’s a powerful, unwavering belief that who they are is enough. As parents and […]

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Mindset Phrases for Kids That Work

Linda Westbrook — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:52:20 +0000

We all want our kids to feel confident and capable. Sometimes we tell them things like believe in yourself, try harder, or be more determined and they’re left thinking, OK… but how do I actually do that? That’s where mindset phrases for kids come in – simple, usable words that help strengthen their inner voice when they need it most. […]

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Naming ‘the elephant’ Builds Connection

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:18:53 +0000

Last week, I walked into my presentation with a bandage on my forehead. Before I started, I told the students what happened: I had tripped, hit my forehead, and ended up with a small cut. Why did I start there? Because otherwise it would have been the elephant in the room and kids always notice […]

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‘It wasn’t me – it was them.’

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:41:50 +0000

We’ve all heard those words. Taking responsibility isn’t always easy for kids. It can stir up uncomfortable emotions — shame, frustration, embarrassment, sadness, and sometimes even pride. It’s much easier for kids to point the finger somewhere else. Here’s the truth: When kids take responsibility, they also take back their power — the power to […]

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Gratitude in the Unexpected

Linda Westbrook — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:15:29 +0000

When you choose to only focus on what you expected to achieve or what you wanted to occur, a mindset shift for gratitude helps you notice the learning and opportunities that can come from life’s detours. When I was travelling to BC, I expected that my holiday would be stress free – a time to […]

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More Than Just Trophies

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:36:53 +0000

In my last newsletter, I wrote about celebrating small wins for adults – those little moments that make life feel lighter, more meaningful, and remind us we’re making progress. I began to wonder how kids see wins in their own lives, so I asked my son about small wins. He looked at me and said, […]

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Unlock Your Child’s Confidence in Seconds

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 18:36:11 +0000

A lot of kids tell me they’re nervous to read out loud or speak in front of their class. Many feel scared, anxious, or embarrassed. You might be wondering how to help your child build confidence in these moments. One student’s experience after my presentation is a perfect example of how small actions can make […]

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Why Kids Need Space after School?

Linda Westbrook — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:00:31 +0000

It doesn’t matter if your child is usually a chatterbox or more reserved—sometimes, getting them to open up after school can be tough, at least for me. 😊 Your child arrives home, and you can’t wait to hear every detail. You ask, “How was your day?” And you get… “Good.” (That’s my son’s go-to response) […]

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Why Cheering Matters: Kids Notice More Than You Think

Linda Westbrook — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:55:58 +0000

This summer, the sidelines will be full. From soccer fields to baseball diamonds, basketball courts to swim meets—everywhere you look, kids will be running, jumping, skating, throwing, kicking, dancing, and giving it their all. And behind the action? Parents. Sitting. Standing. Watching. Some fully present—clapping, smiling, cheering. Others half-scrolling, half-listening, missing the moments their kids […]

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Who Your Kids Hang Out with Matters

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:05:59 +0000

Kids don’t always realize that the people they spend time with influence their choices, behaviour, and how they’re perceived — by peers, adults, and even authority figures. Friends influence choices in ways that can affect a child’s confidence and sense of self. That’s why it’s so important to have conversations about who they’re choosing to […]

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